I had a great experience & the food was great. We went for brunch & they charged an automatic 20% gratuity FYI. I'm fine with that just making sure ppl know that ahead of time. My only complaint is that the carafe for the mimosa was enough for 2 glasses. Would have been better off just ordering it by the glass. Overall, great atmosphere & food. I highly recommend this place & will return.
Suvondal Taylor
Went there for brunch and was amazed I found on street parking as we know how downtown Chicago can be in the Summer. The ambiance and decor is very nice. Staff were super friendly. For me, I wanted more on the menu. I had the pancakes and chicken sausages. If I were to come for brunch again I would have the same thing. My friend tried the Impossible Biscuits and Gravy...wasn't bad but I don't have to have it again. I want to go back for dinner...We shall see. For the both of us, drinks included, the bill came out to $100.
L. Ski
The space is great. Perfect for a date or small gathering with friends. Great setting for pictures with wonderful elements in the background to enhance the images. The staff was nice but forgetful. We waited for drinks. When they arrived, they had forgotten one. We ordered apps, we asked could they add one more slice to the fried green tomato all, we were told yes... that didn't happen. We waited for serving utencils. The restaurant wasn't crowded, so it is difficult to rationalize when the serve was so slow and the staff so distracted it forgetful. All the proteins were cooked perfectly to temperature but lacked flavor. The Chicken and Jollof was a huge disappointment as it was lacking spice. The catfish dip was unpleasant but unfamiliar. I am uncertain if it is made with catfish or the catfish imposter Swai. The crackers that accompany the dip was the most flavorful item we ate. The Oxtail was cooked well but fatty. The bone was removed which made eat the meat less of a chore. The purple that it was served on absorbed much of the meat gravy. The steak whole cooked perfectly was lacking in flavor. The experience was lukewarm for us. We were neither wowed or disappointed... just flat.
Kenya Milton
The ambiance and drinks set the tone for a great night. The staff was warm and accommodating, making the experience even more enjoyable. The food presentation was bright, creative, and Instagram-worthy. However, the flavors didn’t quite match the aesthetics, with some dishes lacking seasoning. The standout was definitely the caviar it was super flavorful.
Aina Harris
I've been here 3 times for breakfast. I will say the first time was on Mother's day. The food was delicious, I made a reservation on 22nd of June at 2pm I arrived 15min early I was seated immediately. My order wasn't taken until 30min later by a server name Mayone she was not attentive nor checked on my table. The restaurant was not full to the capacity. I order 4 dishes each one was cold. Shrimp and grits was really cold, Salmon Croquettes, Blueberry pancakes and Impossible Biscuits & Gravy. I guess it's true eat at a reustaurant once then move on.
Devin Gonzales
Great food and atmosphere. Would definitely recommend the oxtails and grits and the ceviche as a starter.
Debra
Nice comfortable vibe. Staff is nice and attentive. I loved the lemon drop martini, oxtails and purple grits were amazing, the salmon was seasoned perfect and juicy. The devil eggs were very good, baby those biscuits very good not dry. I love my experience here, I will definitely return with more friends! I’m hoping for the return of the key-lime pie
Eva Love
I visited this establishment yesterday for Mother's Day. I wasn’t aware that the restaurant closes and reopens for dinner at 5 PM, so we arrived a little early and weren’t able to enter. This was inconvenient, especially since my mother uses a cane and we had to walk all the way back to the car.
Once we were inside, the views were very nice. However, the menu was quite limited and exotic — I didn’t find much that appealed to me, so we ended up ordering burgers, which were actually good. They cost $25 and came with fries. We also tried the catfish dip, which was unfortunately nasty we ended up just eating the crackers that came with it. I mentioned it to our waitress, and she had the manager remove it from our bill, which I appreciated.
Overall, the service was great — possibly because it was a slower time when we visited. While I respect that it’s a Black-owned restaurant and the ambiance was pleasant, I wouldn’t return unless the menu changes to offer more variety.
Venita Nance
We chose to dine at Etc. for Mother’s Day, excited to support a Black-owned business and experience something new. Paid parking was conveniently available right out front. However, our arrival didn’t make the best first impression—we weren’t greeted properly, and a staff member appeared to be on her phone as we entered. Luckily, our waitress, Precious, came over shortly afterward and took care of us from there.
We started with appetizers: the fried green tomatoes, the fried crackers with fish dip, and three espresso martinis. The fried crackers were good —crispy and flavorful. The fish dip they came with was just okay. The fried green tomatoes were topped with a sweet drizzle that didn’t quite work for our taste. Unfortunately, the espresso martinis didn’t hit the mark either—lacking the bold espresso flavor and balance we were expecting.
For entrées, each member of our party tried something different. One person ordered the Suya chicken with jollof rice which was a letdown. The rice was bland and lacked depth, and the chicken was just okay. Another had the steak and fries—the steak was cooked well, but the fries were average. The pasta dish was enjoyed by the person who ordered it. The lamb chops, while cooked to the right temperature, were tough. The mashed potatoes that accompanied them were a highlight—creamy and flavorful—though the asparagus on the plate was quite bland.
On a positive note, the ambiance and decor of the restaurant were lovely. The space had a stylish, inviting feel that set the right tone for what we hoped would be a memorable meal.
Our total came to $420 for four people. We drove an hour to get there, hoping for an outstanding experience, and while we appreciated the atmosphere and the opportunity to support a Black-owned business, the food and overall vibe didn’t quite live up to our expectations.
Jennifer
I've dined at ETC three times. The ox tails, fish and duck ravioli all were amazingly good. The wait staff is professional and ensured my tables were taken care of. I can't wait to check out their new brunch menu!
Good food, good service and great atmosphere. Very pricey and they have automatic 20% tipping.
F. Christopher Goins
Outside of a hiccup that happened in the kitchen that delayed our main courses, this was an amazing dining experience- everything in the menu is outstanding. Conner, our server, was engaging, knowledgeable and down to earth. I highly recommend ETC!
Shakita Hurt
We attended this restaurant last night to celebrate an early Mother’s Day outing and I was highly disappointed. The biscuits were soft but falling apart like crumbs. The lamb was bland. The whole fish was hot but bland, it was just a fish with toppings. The oxtail and grits was a very small portion size with scarce meat pieces in it. And fried green tomatoes were awful and tasted like cooking grease with no seasoning to them. The drinks were $21 for a very small glass size. We left disappointed especially after paying almost $500 for unseasoned food. It seemed like everyone was playing over their food with their forks when looking around. It was a nice ambiance but terrible food selections and taste. Hopefully you all get better over time.
Kee
My review is a few months late so the menu may have changed but on my visit I had a Chicken type pasta and a drink called Who the **** is Tommy. I also had Deviled Eggs to start with. The pasta was just ok and the deviled eggs were good. It was actually my first time trying Caviar and I enjoyed it. The drink was alright.
Service: The service was great. Everyone was pleasant.
Overall: For my visit at the time, nothing wowed me. Everything was just ok. I said then I didn’t have to return and have yet to. If the opportunity presents itself and I return with a better food experience, I will definitely update this review!
Aaqib Usman
First time at ETC and I loved it. The decor gave me CitizenM NYC vibes—modern and artsy without trying too hard. Service was laid-back and super friendly. I had the deviled eggs (great) and got a sneak peek of a seafood dish that’s not on the menu yet—big win. Finished with an espresso martini (with mezcal!) and it totally hit.
I had a great experience & the food was great. We went for brunch & they charged an automatic 20% gratuity FYI. I'm fine with that just making sure ppl know that ahead of time. My only complaint is that the carafe for the mimosa was enough for 2 glasses. Would have been better off just ordering it by the glass. Overall, great atmosphere & food. I highly recommend this place & will return.
Went there for brunch and was amazed I found on street parking as we know how downtown Chicago can be in the Summer. The ambiance and decor is very nice. Staff were super friendly. For me, I wanted more on the menu. I had the pancakes and chicken sausages. If I were to come for brunch again I would have the same thing. My friend tried the Impossible Biscuits and Gravy...wasn't bad but I don't have to have it again. I want to go back for dinner...We shall see. For the both of us, drinks included, the bill came out to $100.
The space is great. Perfect for a date or small gathering with friends. Great setting for pictures with wonderful elements in the background to enhance the images. The staff was nice but forgetful. We waited for drinks. When they arrived, they had forgotten one. We ordered apps, we asked could they add one more slice to the fried green tomato all, we were told yes... that didn't happen. We waited for serving utencils. The restaurant wasn't crowded, so it is difficult to rationalize when the serve was so slow and the staff so distracted it forgetful.
All the proteins were cooked perfectly to temperature but lacked flavor. The Chicken and Jollof was a huge disappointment as it was lacking spice. The catfish dip was unpleasant but unfamiliar. I am uncertain if it is made with catfish or the catfish imposter Swai. The crackers that accompany the dip was the most flavorful item we ate. The Oxtail was cooked well but fatty. The bone was removed which made eat the meat less of a chore. The purple that it was served on absorbed much of the meat gravy. The steak whole cooked perfectly was lacking in flavor. The experience was lukewarm for us. We were neither wowed or disappointed... just flat.
The ambiance and drinks set the tone for a great night. The staff was warm and accommodating, making the experience even more enjoyable. The food presentation was bright, creative, and Instagram-worthy. However, the flavors didn’t quite match the aesthetics, with some dishes lacking seasoning. The standout was definitely the caviar it was super flavorful.
I've been here 3 times for breakfast. I will say the first time was on Mother's day. The food was delicious, I made a reservation on 22nd of June at 2pm I arrived 15min early I was seated immediately. My order wasn't taken until 30min later by a server name Mayone she was not attentive nor checked on my table. The restaurant was not full to the capacity. I order 4 dishes each one was cold. Shrimp and grits was really cold, Salmon Croquettes, Blueberry pancakes and Impossible Biscuits & Gravy. I guess it's true eat at a reustaurant once then move on.
Great food and atmosphere. Would definitely recommend the oxtails and grits and the ceviche as a starter.
Nice comfortable vibe. Staff is nice and attentive. I loved the lemon drop martini, oxtails and purple grits were amazing, the salmon was seasoned perfect and juicy. The devil eggs were very good, baby those biscuits very good not dry. I love my experience here, I will definitely return with more friends! I’m hoping for the return of the key-lime pie
I visited this establishment yesterday for Mother's Day. I wasn’t aware that the restaurant closes and reopens for dinner at 5 PM, so we arrived a little early and weren’t able to enter. This was inconvenient, especially since my mother uses a cane and we had to walk all the way back to the car.
Once we were inside, the views were very nice. However, the menu was quite limited and exotic — I didn’t find much that appealed to me, so we ended up ordering burgers, which were actually good. They cost $25 and came with fries. We also tried the catfish dip, which was unfortunately nasty we ended up just eating the crackers that came with it. I mentioned it to our waitress, and she had the manager remove it from our bill, which I appreciated.
Overall, the service was great — possibly because it was a slower time when we visited. While I respect that it’s a Black-owned restaurant and the ambiance was pleasant, I wouldn’t return unless the menu changes to offer more variety.
We chose to dine at Etc. for Mother’s Day, excited to support a Black-owned business and experience something new. Paid parking was conveniently available right out front. However, our arrival didn’t make the best first impression—we weren’t greeted properly, and a staff member appeared to be on her phone as we entered. Luckily, our waitress, Precious, came over shortly afterward and took care of us from there.
We started with appetizers: the fried green tomatoes, the fried crackers with fish dip, and three espresso martinis. The fried crackers were good —crispy and flavorful. The fish dip they came with was just okay. The fried green tomatoes were topped with a sweet drizzle that didn’t quite work for our taste. Unfortunately, the espresso martinis didn’t hit the mark either—lacking the bold espresso flavor and balance we were expecting.
For entrées, each member of our party tried something different. One person ordered the Suya chicken with jollof rice which was a letdown. The rice was bland and lacked depth, and the chicken was just okay. Another had the steak and fries—the steak was cooked well, but the fries were average. The pasta dish was enjoyed by the person who ordered it. The lamb chops, while cooked to the right temperature, were tough. The mashed potatoes that accompanied them were a highlight—creamy and flavorful—though the asparagus on the plate was quite bland.
On a positive note, the ambiance and decor of the restaurant were lovely. The space had a stylish, inviting feel that set the right tone for what we hoped would be a memorable meal.
Our total came to $420 for four people. We drove an hour to get there, hoping for an outstanding experience, and while we appreciated the atmosphere and the opportunity to support a Black-owned business, the food and overall vibe didn’t quite live up to our expectations.
I've dined at ETC three times. The ox tails, fish and duck ravioli all were amazingly good. The wait staff is professional and ensured my tables were taken care of.
I can't wait to check out their new brunch menu!
Restaurantji Recommends
Good food, good service and great atmosphere. Very pricey and they have automatic 20% tipping.
Outside of a hiccup that happened in the kitchen that delayed our main courses, this was an amazing dining experience- everything in the menu is outstanding. Conner, our server, was engaging, knowledgeable and down to earth. I highly recommend ETC!
We attended this restaurant last night to celebrate an early Mother’s Day outing and I was highly disappointed. The biscuits were soft but falling apart like crumbs. The lamb was bland. The whole fish was hot but bland, it was just a fish with toppings. The oxtail and grits was a very small portion size with scarce meat pieces in it. And fried green tomatoes were awful and tasted like cooking grease with no seasoning to them. The drinks were $21 for a very small glass size. We left disappointed especially after paying almost $500 for unseasoned food. It seemed like everyone was playing over their food with their forks when looking around. It was a nice ambiance but terrible food selections and taste. Hopefully you all get better over time.
My review is a few months late so the menu may have changed but on my visit I had a Chicken type pasta and a drink called Who the **** is Tommy. I also had Deviled Eggs to start with. The pasta was just ok and the deviled eggs were good. It was actually my first time trying Caviar and I enjoyed it. The drink was alright.
Service: The service was great. Everyone was pleasant.
Overall: For my visit at the time, nothing wowed me. Everything was just ok. I said then I didn’t have to return and have yet to. If the opportunity presents itself and I return with a better food experience, I will definitely update this review!
First time at ETC and I loved it. The decor gave me CitizenM NYC vibes—modern and artsy without trying too hard. Service was laid-back and super friendly. I had the deviled eggs (great) and got a sneak peek of a seafood dish that’s not on the menu yet—big win. Finished with an espresso martini (with mezcal!) and it totally hit.
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